Sims 2, Harry Potter - 7 Nostalgic Games That Deserve HD Remakes

For gamers, some of our fondest memories include a TV, computer or a hand held device's screen light illuminating our faces as we're twiddling the controls. And we're absorbed into a digital realm where we can cast spells, harness godly powers or run over innocent children. Here are just seven of many video games which I believe are worthy of getting an HD makeover. I want to note that these are games from my childhood and since I didn't have Nintendo there won't be any related games on here, and if there are popular games that aren't on this list it's most likely because I never played them either. Sorry!

7. Nightmare Ned

This horror video game designed for children took gamers into a surreal world where you're a skittish little boy named Ned who must pass through five "nightmare" levels. Equipped only with a yo-yo, Ned must face tremendous monsters and environments if he ever hopes to wake up again. This game does a terrific job of sucking you into a spooky setting with eerie music, characters and ambiance.

6. Harry Potter: The Quidditch World Cup

One of many Harry Potter related video games. In Quidditch World Cup you start off on a Hogwarts team: Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin or Gryffindor. When your team wins the school cup they receive an invitation to spectate the Quidditch World Cup. From there you have a selection of nine teams from across seven continents and you fight your way to win the World cup. While the graphics are lacking and the same animation plays ad nauseam, the best features were being able to play more than one position, the different teams, decent gameplay and feeling genuinely immersed in the HP world.

5. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone/Chamber of Secrets/Prisoner of Azkaban

To cast flipendo...

This is cheat overload as I'm fitting three games onto one spot. Yet, if I were to include them individually they'd take up almost half of this list. In these games you play as Harry Potter and as you complete each academic year you learn to cast enchantments, play Quidditch, roam Hogwarts (and Diagon Alley), brew potions, collect Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans and trade them for items like Chocolate Frog Cards or other objects. You basically get the whole wizarding experience. Since the franchise is still thriving, I'm sure little witches, wizards and muggles would love to get their mitts on these.

4. Spider-Man 2

I personally think this is one of the best superhero games of all time. Plot wise, it follows somewhat closely the second Spider-Man movie, but it has more villains and a couple of added story lines. What comic book movies and video games sometimes mess up is that they add too many characters and it ends up losing focus. However, Spider-Man 2 manages to give each individual a considerable amount of screen time without overdoing it, thus not shifting the spotlight off of our main hero.

Aside from the main story, it also provides enough side missions to keep you busy with car chases, police riots, injured citizens and missing balloons. The combat keeps everything interesting too with signature moves and an easy flow. Along with Spidey's distinguished comedy aspect, which I think is executed better in the game than the movie. And the icing on the cake is Bruce Campbell's wise and cynical narration. Groovy!

3. X-Men Legends

Another great comic book adapted video game. In Legends, you have the choice to play as a variety of X-men; Rogue, Wolverine, Storm, Jean Grey, etc. To match these heroes you're given a mirage of baddies to compete against. The surroundings remain fresh as you visit many locations, including Xavier's mansion, where you're able to explore, socialize with the X-men, find tidbits of comic book trivia, and face off against simulated threats in the 'danger room.'

2. The Sims 2

This is the least likely to get an HD remake, since Sims 4 is still on the scene. Yet, I immensely enjoyed The Sims 2. Compared to its successors it had more interactions available, customization, locations, features, etc. Hell, the base game provides more content than The Sims 3 or 4. I also like the option of being able to play more than one household at a time, while with the others you have to open a new game entirely to play a contrasting family.

1. The Simpsons: Hit & Run

Hit & Run seems like a love letter to the show. It incorporated some of the series' most iconic jokes and moments. However, they didn't expand them to the point where they were distracting. And its balanced with new gags and decent writing that presents itself as a separate entity from the series. While the missions start off as mundane, they grow more intriguing and intense as the story progresses, but they don't deviate from The Simpsons' usual atmosphere.

It's also refreshing to be able to explore Springfield and interact with many of its renowned residents. Despite the encounters, their first impressions quickly grow old and repetitive. Other than that, it's obvious they put a lot of work into this and didn't intend for it to be a cash grab.

Now with that said, why do these games deserve an HD makeover? They're in the past, why bring them into the future? Part of it (for me) is reliving these memories and another part is, just as our parents, babysitters, etc. introduced us to their favorite old books and TV shows, etc., we can pass on our video game experiences to a younger generation. And then they can pass it on to their children, friends' kids, relatives, students, and the cycle continues.